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Mastering the art of living with your adult children

| 26 Feb 2013 | 06:12
    Suzan Sussmann, Virginia Brown, Denyse Variano and Stefanie Hubert share resources used to develop the "They’re Back…Or They Never Left!" series.
    Suzan Sussmann, Virginia Brown, Denyse Variano and Stefanie Hubert share resources used to develop the "They’re Back…Or They Never Left!" series.

MIDDLETOWN — As an empty nester, you may have gotten used to the clean kitchen sink and are beginning to envision the “spare” bedroom as a perfect exercise/hobby room. Then you receive a call or text that your adult child needs to come home for awhile; maybe to save money, regroup after a divorce, or find a job.

According to Collegegrad.com, in 2009, 80 percent of college graduates moved home after graduation for at least some period of time.

“The multi-generational household was a thing of the past; it is again becoming more commonplace and parents need strategies on how to best deal with their adult children,” said Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator Denyse Variano. “This change in family dynamics stimulates many important questions, including: How do I treat my adult child? What are realistic expectations I should have of my adult child? What is too much to ask of them? How do I talk to him about finances?

“We’ve tapped numerous resources to bring together an enjoyable and entertaining program over two evenings that we’ve affectionately called, 'They’re Back… or They Never Left!'” said Variano.

The series will focus on house rules, division of responsibility and shared values, respectful communication and financial issues. Throughout the six-hour program, creative solutions will be shared to help parents work with their adult children move toward a mutually satisfying relationship and live together as respectful adults.

"They’re Back" will be held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 18 Seward Ave., Middletown on Thursdays, March 14 and 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. There is a $30 per family fee, and pre-registration is required. To register, call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845-344-1234 and ask to speak with a parenting educator. Space is limited, so it is recommended to call early to reserve a seat. More parenting, nutrition and family economics education and resources information is also available at www.cce.cornell.edu/orange on the Family and Consumer Sciences pages.